I’ve been on the hunt for a granola bar that is healthy, but also kid-friendly.  This recipe is what I’ve been looking for.  The natural ingredients make it healthy, but also delicious.  Our 18 month old nephew loved them!  Give them a try.

Playgroup Granola Bars

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup wheat germ
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 3/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, brown sugar, wheat germ, cinnamon, flour, raisins and salt. Make a well in the center, and pour in the honey, egg, oil and vanilla. Mix well using your hands. Pat the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
3. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven, until the bars begin to turn golden at the edges. Cool for 5 minutes, then cut into bars while still warm. Do not allow the bars to cool completely before cutting, or they will be too hard to cut.
4. Optional:  add 1/2 cup chopped nuts, substitute 1 cup applesauce for the vegetable oil, substitute chocolate chips for the dried fruit.

Original recipe from Allrecipes.com